BlackBerry maker Research In Motion on Tuesday agreed to give India’s government access to client e-mails and short messages, averting an Aug. 31 shutdown of the company’s technology in one of the world’s most populous countries.
Before November, India’s security agencies must make specific requests for access to RIM users’ information. After that, they’ll get automatic data feeds. They already can monitor BlackBerry voice calls and Internet surfing.
BlackBerry subscribers in India seem relieved.
"I've been so concerned because my life revolves around this thing," 35-year-old business owner Kamini Sharma told The Los Angeles Times. "The security concerns are fair, but I don't want to be shut out."
"I'm very happy at the news," David Gaurav, 35, self-employed, told the paper. "Work e-mails, family, social life, it's all on here."
About 635 million people in India use mobile phones, but BlackBerry users only number around 1 million because of the higher cost.
India’s government is concerned about terrorism, like the attack in the city of Mumbai in 2008. Cell phones and e-mails played key roles in that event and officials want to prevent a recurrence. The deal with RIM on Tuesday came after Saudi Arabia struck a similar agreement with the Canada-based company.
Shares of RIM closed down 1.14 percent at $50.25.
